Science – Woodfield Academy

Welcome to Ernesford Grange Community Academy Science Department where the content is delivered by a team of subject specialists to create future scientists.

The department is made up of four Biologists, two Chemists, and one Physicists. We are also privileged to have with us 2 trainee teachers, one from SCITT and one from Teach First. We consistently work together to update our subject knowledge and share ideas to enhance learning and teaching in Science.

The department has close links with both Coventry and Warwick University. The staff at both universities provide our students with additional exciting learning opportunities.

In additional to timetabled lessons, students have the opportunity to take part in Science workshops, visit laboratories and meet scientists who explain how their careers have developed. We also run a Science Stem Club for all key stages and this enables us to widen our students knowledge on ‘how science works’ in real life context.

KS3

At Key Stage 3, pupils are set in mixed ability. We teach topics in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to all pupils in Years 7 and 8. Covering areas such as Cells & Reproduction, Acids & Alkalis and Combustion, Forces and Space. We use the activate syllabus and our topics have been carefully selected to meet the needs of various students. Assessment is on-going in the form of practical skills, written work, and cumulative tests.

Students develop an understanding of key concepts in Science and also lay a skills foundation which contributes to eventual GCSE success. We encourage our students to have healthy discussions on various issues surrounding the society linked in with science through ‘Talking Points’ and we are proud to say that in the past two years our student’s literacy and oracy skills have improved significantly.

KS4

Key stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students cover the combined Science GCSE content in Year 9, 10 and 11. Some students cover the single Science content whilst doing an entry-level course. In combined Science, students study topics in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

The students will sit two papers in each subject and they will be 1hr and 10 min long. This will include questions that assess their maths and practical skills.

Students can also opt to take Triple Science, completing 3 GCSEs, one each in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, which allows students to study each subject in more detail.

This is the recommended route for students who intend to study Science at A Level. There are two more exams per subject, each paper will be 1hr 45min long and will assess their maths and practical skills.

We follow the OCR combined Gateway specification at the moment but are switching to AQA from May 2020.

Post-16

At Key Stage 5 we offer A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Some of our recent students have gone on to study Medicine, Engineering, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Physics and Marine Biology. We follow the OCR specification for Chemistry and Physics and AQA for Biology.

We are currently looking into offering BTEC and Diploma in Science as an alternative to A Levels. The web page will be uploaded as soon as a decision has been made onto what course we can offer.